Nuclear Renaissance Now: Capitalizing on the U.S. Energy Dominance Shift

The U.S. nuclear energy sector is undergoing a seismic transformation, driven by aggressive executive orders from the Trump administration that prioritize energy independence, geopolitical competition, and market intervention. As the federal government declares a national energy emergency and fast-tracks regulatory reforms, investors are presented with a rare opportunity to capitalize on a sector poised for explosive growth.

Geopolitical Competition Fuels the Nuclear Revival

The White House’s 2025 executive orders explicitly target China’s dominance in nuclear fuel supply chains and Russia’s stranglehold on enriched uranium. With over 40% of U.S. nuclear fuel imports coming from these nations, the administration has labeled this reliance a “national security crisis.” The —a major U.S.-based uranium miner—reflects investor anticipation of domestic supply chain reclamation.

The National Energy Dominance Council’s mandate to revive dormant reactors like Three Mile Island Unit 1 and Palisades (via Holtec International) underscores the urgency. These projects, paired with advanced small modular reactors (SMRs), aim to slash reliance on foreign energy while positioning the U.S. as a global leader in next-gen nuclear technology.

Regulatory Tailwinds: The ADVANCE Act and NRC Overhaul

The Biden-era ADVANCE Act of 2024, now accelerated by Trump’s 2025 orders, establishes strict timelines for Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approvals. The NRC’s proposed Part 53 framework—a technology-neutral licensing system—eliminates bureaucratic hurdles for SMR developers like TerraPower and X-Energy. This regulatory clarity has already sparked interest from hyperscalers like Oracle and OpenAI, which plan to co-locate AI data centers with nuclear facilities to meet rising energy demands.

The reveal a 50% reduction in permitting periods, a critical factor for investors seeking scalable, low-carbon energy solutions.

Key Investment Opportunities

1. Uranium Miners: The Building Blocks of Revival

Domestic uranium miners stand to benefit directly from the administration’s “mineral dominance” agenda. Cameco (CCJ), Uranium One (a subsidiary of Energy Fuels, EFU), and Manti Minerals (MTIMF) are prime candidates. The show a 120% surge since 2023, driven by geopolitical tensions and renewed demand.

2. Nuclear Engineering and Construction Giants

Brookfield Asset Management (BAM), which owns Westinghouse, is a key player in SMR development. The reflects its strategic pivot toward infrastructure and energy. Meanwhile, engineering firms like Bechtel and AECOM (ACM)—already contracted for grid modernization—are poised to profit from SMR deployment and reactor restarts.

3. SMR Developers: The Future of Nuclear Energy

TerraPower (backed by Bill Gates) and X-Energy (funded by U.S. Department of Energy grants) are pioneers in advanced reactor designs. While not publicly traded, their partnerships with utilities like Dominion Energy (D) and Exelon (EXC) create indirect investment avenues. The highlights investor confidence in utilities embracing nuclear modernization.

Risks and Mitigants

Critics argue that rushed regulations could compromise safety, but the administration’s alignment with the NRC’s Part 53 framework ensures a balance between speed and reliability. Concerns about funding cuts to the Loan Programs Office (LPO) are tempered by the $500 billion AI infrastructure pipeline, which will rely on nuclear energy.

Act Now: The Nuclear Clock is Ticking

The window to capitalize on this transformation is narrowing. With the National Energy Emergency Declaration prioritizing projects under the Defense Production Act, early investors in uranium miners, SMR developers, and nuclear infrastructure firms stand to reap outsized returns.

The —projected to double from 2025 levels—confirm this is no fleeting trend. For investors seeking exposure to a sector with clear government backing, geopolitical necessity, and decarbonization tailwinds, the time to act is now.

Investment Thesis:
- Buy Uranium Miners (CCJ, EFU, MTIMF): Short-term gains from rising prices and long-term from supply chain dominance.
- Hold Utilities with SMR Partnerships (D, EXC): Stable dividends and upside from grid modernization.
- Target SMR-Backed ETFs (NLR, PKN): Diversified exposure to the nuclear revival.

The U.S. nuclear renaissance is not just a policy shift—it’s a generational investment opportunity. Delaying action risks missing the dawn of a new energy era.

Data as of May 22, 2025. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.